gaging an interest in a sub-forum for instructors only

[woodstock]

i don't know how this could be implemented, but i thought it would be a service to the instructors here and the public at large if a thread/forum could be created to allow licensed/certified instructors to communicate between each other via a thread/forum accessed only by instructors.

for example, i have had an influx of prohibited persons/fruitcakes contact me in the hopes to get an HQL to purchase a gun. it would be practical to have the ability to reach out to the other instructors here, to put them on an alert from said persons. whether they the instructor, goes forward with the student would be a personal decision, but at least we could put others on notice from those wishing to get a gun, who would otherwise be considered a PROHIBITED PERSON.

as well, we could provide links, phone numbers to the instructors who could then reach out to various agencies in reporting people anonymously, who we may deem a public/personal threat.

as instructors, we have an obligation to provide the very best, informative services to new shooters as well as seasoned shooters looking for premier instruction, but at the same time we have a duty to the public to report suspicious activity or questionable motives.

just a thought.

 

[miles71]

Always think networking is a great idea, this is a good thing.

be a great way to share info.

TD

 

[Mark75H]

There is a feature to do what you what ... the forum software calls it "Social Groups" The info can be open or hidden:

http://www.mdshooters.com/group.php?do=grouplist

I think it is a great idea

 

[RoadDawg]

One caution comes to mind...

Publishing anyone's personal information (a list of prohibited persons) on any social media... Even private forums... Can have serious repercussions in the realm of court and liable cases. MDS should be careful to not do or allow anything to get the forum sued.

Therefore... An off site means of notifying fellow instructors should be explored. Or simply vet everyone through NICS.

 

[Mark75H]

Not sure instructors can use NICS

 

[woodstock]

One caution comes to mind...

Publishing anyone's personal information (a list of prohibited persons) on any social media... Even private forums... Can have serious repercussions in the realm of court and liable cases. MDS should be careful to not do or allow anything to get the forum sued.

Therefore... An off site means of notifying fellow instructors should be explored. Or simply vet everyone through NICS.

already considered. we could code the person. send out a BOLO on a first name, last initial and the last four or two digits on their phone number.

example:
BOLO; karen m. 5776, pm for details. BOLO; samual t. 0075, and so on.

just brainstorming.

with all the gun stuff going on, i am trying to bring to light that our law abiding, firearm enthusiasts can and will do whatever we can to ensure prohibited persons cannot get a gun. for example, i read the oregon shooter wanted to take advanced classes but the instructor denied the request. had he the ability or means to report the guy as being "too enthusiastic", the guy may have been placed on the radar, or maybe i am thinking too much into this?

no i am not trying to be nazi, just looking for ideas from the community to better assess and add asset to the current problems. MENTAL HEALTH being at the forefront.

 

[clandestine]

Not sure instructors can use NICS

That is correct, unless they have a FFL. I dont think its kosher to run NICS on people not purchasing a firearm either.

 

[Blacksmith101]

Great idea for a place for instructors to share information on things like new techniques, instructional aids, deals for instructors only, etc. I don't think it is a good idea to use it for circulating suspicions about specific individuals. Lots of ways to get the training, Hunter Safety for example and lots of instructors don't belong to MDS. The various background checks for obtaining an HQL or other permit should catch those people anyway.

An alternative way to accomplish your positive goal might be for a group of instructors to get together and open a dialog with Maryland State Police perhaps through the Licensing Division to see if there is a way all instructors in the state could have a point of contact where they could voluntarily submit a list of potential students or a name of someone wishing instruction and find out if they are a legally prohibited person. This would also serve to alert the police that a prohibited person was attempting to gain access to firearms so they could follow up appropriately.

 

[BigT5g]

Interesting idea.

 

[woodstock]

"An alternative way to accomplish your positive goal might be for a group of instructors to get together and open a dialog with Maryland State Police perhaps through the Licensing Division to see if there is a way all instructors in the state could have a point of contact where they could voluntarily submit a list of potential students or a name of someone wishing instruction and find out if they are a legally prohibited person. This would also serve to alert the police that a prohibited person was attempting to gain access to firearms so they could follow up appropriately." <<~~blacksmith said.

i have the supervisor of the baltimore handgun interdiction squad in my contacts list. i have made 5 reports thus far, this year.

HIS WORDS: "thank you very much for your pro-active support. wish we had more folks like you saying something. if anyone else you know wants to report something, they can do it anonymously, the number is on the website."

while i have always been suspect of "anonymous" reporting, if thats all ya got, do it. if your info IS exposed through the state or county's fault, you should be issued an unrestricted wear/carry permit, unrestricted. training provided FREE by me.

 

[woodstock]

in light of what the government proposes, i think it best that we in the shooting community come up with solutions. many in government aren't part of our community yet have the ability to write laws on something the have no hands-on experience, thereby leaving them listening to the reason of the BRADY campaign, NOT the NRA or GOA, because of political folly. if our community can step forward and offer sage and sound advice, then why wouldn't the public and law makers listen? what MSI is doing for our public at large is noble, admirable and much needed. now we should consider stepping up to the plate to make sure a prohibited person is at least "under review" on the NCIS check, if he/she so does earn that status. just brainstorming...

 

[3rdRcn]

I think it's a great idea for the purposes of sharing new techniques etc. as mentioned by Blacksmith 101. I don't think it is a good idea for the reasons you mentioned in your initial post woodstock, it is not our job to screen people for the MSP and decide whether they can take the HQL course. The MSP have background checks etc. I prefer to let them do their job.

As far as teaching someone that is questionable how to be proficient in the use of firearms, that is a whole different ball game imo.

 

[Blaster229]

Make your own social group under COMMUNITY. Like us Jack booted Thugs have

 

[Mark75H]

I think it's a great idea for the purposes of sharing new techniques etc. as mentioned by Blacksmith 101. I don't think it is a good idea for the reasons you mentioned in your initial post woodstock, it is not our job to screen people for the MSP and decide whether they can take the HQL course. The MSP have background checks etc. I prefer to let them do their job.

As far as teaching someone that is questionable how to be proficient in the use of firearms, that is a whole different ball game imo.

I do not know if insturctors have a legal obligation to report suspicious candidates, but they have both a legal and moral responsibility to refuse to certify those who they suspect to wish to acquire guns for illegal activities; either self harm or crimes. Whether we like it or not, we are the first screeners.

 

[6pack]

I'd be interested in the group.

 

[mcbruzdzinski]

I am interested, especially if we can pool ideas, techniques, etc.

 

[Mark75H]

I have sent a PM to DD214 about this. We will see if it flies on MDS

 

[clandestine]

Remember that Groups are not private to those that have Moderator status in a sub forum (I.P.).

 

[Mark75H]

see if there is a way all instructors in the state could have a point of contact where they could voluntarily submit a list of potential students or a name of someone wishing instruction and find out if they are a legally prohibited person.

This tool already exists at a certain level

http://casesearch.courts.state.md.us/casesearch/

Currently open to the public, but Baltimore City politicians want it offline to stop potential employers and landlords from using it. Expect them to push for it to be taken offline in the next session. Contact your senators and delegates about how important this tool is to the PUBLIC.

 

[Mark75H]

Remember that Groups are not private to those that have Moderator status in a sub forum (I.P.).

Can you read the Elk Neck RSO SG messages?

Haven't looked at the admin controls on vB for a while, it might be a controlled setting that is up to Admin. Level of membership you have to start a social group is an admin setting.